Unit2 Bridging CulturesUsing Language Express your opinions on studying abroadTeaching material: Studying Abroad: Is It a Good Or Bad Idea?The analysis of the content:The passage consists of two parents' contribution letters on the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad. In fact, they are two argumentative essays which include four parts: the statement of a topic, the statement of an opinion, the reasons to support the opinion and the conclusion. What’s more, many connectors and expressions in the passage are useful when writing an argumentative essay. The analysis of the students:Grade Two students are not familiar with the structure of an argumentative essay, but they are interested in the topic and are willing to share their own understandings. A group discussion and the teacher’s guidance will lead them to voice their opinions in an organized way.Teaching objectives:At the end of the class, students will be able to:1. know the structure of an argumentative essay ;2. master the connectors and expressions in showing one’s opinions;3. write an argumentative essay to clarify their opinions logically and cohesively ;4. have a better understanding of the criteria of a good argumentative essay.Teaching focuses and difficulties:1. How to analyze the structure of an argumentative essay ; 2. How to make use of the expressions and connectors;3. How to instruct the students to write an argumentative essay with their own views.Teaching activities:Activity1:Lead-inIntroduce the situation: Nowadays, whether to go abroad to study has been a hot topic. Different families hold different views towards the problem. The passage consists of two parents' contribution letters on the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad. [Aim: to introduce the following learning content.] Activity2: Read for structureStudents are required to skim the two passages to figure out their structures.The two articles share the same structure.Topic More people choose to study abroadOpinion DisapprovalApprovalReasons 1.Costly tuition fees and living expenses.2.Tremendous pressure3.Different approaches to teaching and learning can be as a shock4. Studying in China has a great future1.Personal growth.2.The increased chance for cultural exchange.3.Provide a great opportunity to contribute to the development of our motherland.4.Help to build character and increase people’s understanding of cultural diversity.Conclusion Studying abroad has its disadvantagesStudying abroad is worthwhile[Aim: to help students master the basic structure of argumentative essays and have a better understanding of different families’ opinions and attitudes towards the issue.]Activity3: Read for useful expressions.Students will be required to underline the expressions the two sides use in the articles.The positive sideOpinion :There are certainly disadvantages, but the advantages are much greater.Reasons :The first advantage of...is....Another advantage is......provides a great opportunity to...Conclusion:All in all, ...helps to...The negative sideOpinion:Although ...can bring great benefits, I think the disadvantages are greaterReasons:To begin with, ...face great pressure.Another important factor to consider is ...A final point to consider is that...Conclusion:To sum up, one cannot deny the fact that...[Aim: to allow students to make use of them in writing so that their difficulty in organizing their ideas can be lessened.]Ativity4: Read for connectorsStudents will be asked to underline all the connectors in the articles and divide them into different categories according to their function and enrich the list with more related words.Connectors expressing reasons or evidenceListing:To begin with what is moreBesides moreoverIn additionCause& effect:Because as so thusTherefore as a resultGiving examples:For example for instanceSuch as Connectors expressing opinionPoint of view:In my opinion as far as I knowAs far as I am concernedPersonally (speaking)Summary:In short to sum up all in allIn conclusion/summaryGenerally speakingRestating:In other words that is to sayThat means[Aim: to enable students to master appropriate use of connectors which will help them express their opinions more logically and make their statements more organized.]Activity 5: WritingTask1: Preparation before writing(discussing)Topic: Your friend Amy will graduate from senior high school. Now she is considering whether to go abroad to study. She is eager to know your opinion on this issue. Could you please discuss with your partners about your opinion on the issue and your reasons.[Aim: to encourage students to carry out the deep processing of what they have learned; and to instruct the students to work cooperatively in preparatio。
